Francis Wilson Playhouse — Attraction in Clearwater

I’ve been seeing shows at Francis Wilson for a year and South Pacific was no exception to the amazing caliber of quality storytelling the theater puts on. To begin with, I personally hated the music of Rogers and Hammerstein..before I saw this show. Everything about the show was excellently crafted from the cute campy sets, Liz Werlin’s wonderful backdrops and the lovely lighting that helps extenuate key points of the story. Rebekah Stevenson as the lead Nellie Forbush is an absolute force to be reckoned with, fitting the vocal quality and character of the piece so effortlessly. Wil Toro brings a fresh new take to Joe Cable with a certain vulnerability at times that I believe must be recognized in male characters and I applaud him for bringing something new and exciting to the table with Cable and not just trying to be some Macho Man. Toro’s “Younger than Springtime” has this lilt and lift to the piece that shows a beautifully crafted character, so headstrong but taken aback by something such as love. I sat up in my chair when the song began because I realized “wow, there’s so much more to this character than I’ve ever seen anyone else perform”. Dale Badway is yet another tour de force in this show, showing yet another wonderful casting choice. Emil is a character I didn’t necessarily pay as much attention to when originally listening to the score for the first time, but Badway has this care and tenderness that sets up his character in such a loving light that you can’t help but really feel for him. Eddie Mcnally also puts on a charming and funny performance as the Billie, always on stage and causing the audience to riot with laughter, always stealing the scene with his precedes but not in a negative way, Ed is the cherry on top of this cast. Overall, the Francis Wilson production of South Pacific is a show that you would not want to miss, it is not everyday a theater like this can continuously put on amazing production after production. Bravo to the...

My recent visit with my daughters to the Francis Wilson Playhouse in Clearwater, FL, was an absolute delight!

This historic theater on Seminole Street exudes charm and nostalgia from the moment you step inside. The ambiance alone is worth the visit, transporting you to a bygone era of classic entertainment.

The performance I attended was nothing short of spectacular. The talent on display was truly impressive, from the actors to the production team. The attention to detail in every aspect of the show, from the set design to the costumes, was evident and added to the overall immersive experience.

The staff at Francis Wilson Playhouse were not only courteous and welcoming but also passionate about the arts. Their enthusiasm was infectious and contributed to a warm and inviting atmosphere.

It's wonderful to have such a cultural gem in Clearwater, providing top-notch entertainment for the community. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or just looking for a memorable night out, Francis Wilson Playhouse is the place to be.

I can't wait to return for another captivating performance. Five stars,...

The Francis Wilson Playhouse is, without a doubt, a gem for the city of Clearwater for the last 94 years!. The shows are done professionally and what impresses me the most about the fwp is the fact that their shows ,during the season(s) are so varied. Gripping dramas, wonderful romance, timeless musicals, and hilarious comedies! The shows are always stellar & the actors are superb. The incredibly talented director, Jason, fortner, is beyond phenomenal when it comes to the history of theater. His natural ability to direct volunteer actors and, moreover, the ability to get get the best out of them is certainly a gift. This certainly shows on stage.. The stage manager(s) are professional at their craft ,running the show flawlessly when in production. The staff and volunteers are incredibly friendly, not to mention incredibly dedicated. Dedicated for one goal, to put on the best show possible every single time. Kudos, Francis Wilson Playhouse! I hope you go on for another...